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Call sexual violence what it is — sexual violence

Thank you for your hard work reporting for the St. Cloud Times and for choosing to cover the story of a very important event for survivors, Central MN’s Take Back the Night rally (“Take Back the Night Event Hel

Thank you for your hard work reporting for the St. Cloud Times and for choosing to cover the story of a very important event for survivors, Central MN’s Take Back the Night rally (“Take Back the Night Event Held in St. Cloud,” Sept. 29).

Throughout the video, images reference domestic violence yet fail to highlight the issue of sexual violence. According to Take Back the Night Foundation (2017), the history behind this rally centralized around the issue of sexual violence and was used in 1975 to protest the rape and murder of a female microbiologist walking home. In addition, The Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center (CMSAC) has been involved with Take Back the Night for over 30 years.

We need to recognize these unique dynamics by naming sexual violence as sexual violence. Using this language is the only way we as a community can begin to reduce and ultimately eradicate the myths, stereotypes and taboos. Confronting these taboos around sexual violence can help survivors self-identify and reach out for support and services. I ask that the St. Cloud Times honor sexual violence survivors by being intentional and specific in their language when reporting on and writing about sexual violence moving forward.

Read or Share this story: http://www.sctimes.com/story/opinion/2017/12/28/call-sexual-violence-sexual-violence/108876198/